A project manager is assigned to a project in an organization that lacks a PMO and has no formal governance policies, procedures, or guidelines for this type of work. What should the project manager do first to determine an appropriate governance approach?

The project manager should first consult with team members and stakeholders to identify any existing informal governance. Even without a formal PMO, organizations often have unwritten rules, customs, or expectations that function as informal governance. Understanding these existing practices is crucial before attempting to implement new ones, as it provides a foundation and helps ensure buy-in. Consulting a subject matter expert might introduce policies that don't fit the organizational culture or project context. Selecting a framework prematurely without understanding existing practices could lead to resistance or an inappropriate fit. While coaching the team to develop tailored policies is a good long-term step, it should follow an initial assessment of the current state.